In case you cook regularly, you want a pantry broth that tastes good, labels clearly, and fits your cooking style. I’ll walk you through five top packaged chicken broths for 2026 — covering cartons, cans, organic and low‑sodium options — so you can pick the one that actually works in soups, sauces, and weeknight meals. Keep going to see which choices balance flavor, transparency, and sustainable packaging.
| SWANSON S 100% Natural Chicken Broth 48 oz Carton |
| Best for Families | Packaging Type: Recyclable carton | Size / Volume: 48 oz | Main Protein Source: Chicken (farm-raised) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| SWANSON S 100% Natural Gluten-Free Chicken Broth 49.5 Oz Can |
| Best for Versatility | Packaging Type: Recyclable can | Size / Volume: 49.5 oz | Main Protein Source: Chicken (farm-raised) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Pacific Foods Broth Chicken Free Range Organic 32 Fl Oz |
| Best Organic Choice | Packaging Type: Resealable carton (twist-open) | Size / Volume: 32 fl oz | Main Protein Source: Organic free-range chicken | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Chicken Broth 32 oz |
| Best Low-Sodium Option | Packaging Type: Resealable carton | Size / Volume: 32 fl oz | Main Protein Source: Organic free-range chicken | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| SWANSON S 100% Natural Chicken Broth 32 oz Carton |
| Best Everyday Pick | Packaging Type: Recyclable carton | Size / Volume: 32 oz | Main Protein Source: Chicken (farm-raised) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
SWANSON S 100% Natural Chicken Broth 48 oz Carton
Provided you want a straightforward, naturally flavored broth that improves everyday cooking, reach for Swanson’s 100% Natural Chicken Broth — a 48-oz recyclable carton that’s Non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. You’ll get balanced flavor from farm‑raised chicken, vegetables, and quality seasonings, making it a reliable soup base and an easy way to amplify rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and holiday dishes. Since it contains only natural ingredients and no preservatives, you can replace water to deepen savory notes without masking other flavors. The recyclable carton keeps waste low and storage simple.
- Packaging Type:Recyclable carton
- Size / Volume:48 oz
- Main Protein Source:Chicken (farm-raised)
- Dietary Claims:Gluten-free, non-GMO
- No Artificial Additives:No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Primary Uses:Soup base; boost flavor in rice, pasta, sides; enhance mashed potatoes/stuffing
- Additional Feature:Recyclable carton packaging
- Additional Feature:Balanced farm-raised chicken
- Additional Feature:No preservatives added
SWANSON S 100% Natural Gluten-Free Chicken Broth 49.5 Oz Can
In case you want a clean, versatile pantry staple, Swanson’s 100% Natural Gluten-Free Chicken Broth delivers—a fat-free, non-GMO, no-MSG-added option in a 49.5 oz recyclable can that’s great for soups, sauces, and enhancing grains and vegetables. You’ll get balanced flavor from farm-raised chicken, fresh vegetables, and quality seasonings in a lighter-bodied broth—ideal whenever you want clarity without heavy stock richness. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or gluten, and uses yeast extract for natural glutamate. Use it as a soup base, to amplify rice, pasta, and veggies, or to fortify gravies and mashed potatoes.
- Packaging Type:Recyclable can
- Size / Volume:49.5 oz
- Main Protein Source:Chicken (farm-raised)
- Dietary Claims:Gluten-free, non-GMO, fat-free
- No Artificial Additives:No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives; no MSG added
- Primary Uses:Soup base; replace water to boost flavor in rice/pasta/veggies; sauces/gravies
- Additional Feature:Recyclable can packaging
- Additional Feature:No MSG added*
- Additional Feature:Lighter-body broth
Pacific Foods Broth Chicken Free Range Organic 32 Fl Oz
Provided you want a reliable, clean-tasting base made from organic, free‑range chicken, Pacific Foods’ 32 fl oz carton is a smart choice for home cooks who care about ingredient quality. You’ll get organic free-range chicken broth seasoned with sea salt and simple seasonings, made from high-quality ingredients that’s fat-free and gluten-free. Use it as a cooking liquid or flavor base for soups, risottos, and pasta dishes. The resealable, twist-open carton makes storage and repeated use easy; just refrigerate after opening per carton instructions. It’s convenient, transparent, and versatile whenever you need a dependable broth quickly.
- Packaging Type:Resealable carton (twist-open)
- Size / Volume:32 fl oz
- Main Protein Source:Organic free-range chicken
- Dietary Claims:Gluten-free, fat-free, organic
- No Artificial Additives:No artificial additives noted; organic ingredients
- Primary Uses:Base for soups, risottos, pasta dishes; cooking liquid
- Additional Feature:Organic free-range chicken
- Additional Feature:Resealable twist-open carton
- Additional Feature:Sea salt and seasonings
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Chicken Broth 32 oz
Provided you want an organic, low‑sodium base that fits clean‑eating and family cooking, 365 via Whole Foods Market Organic Chicken Broth is a smart pick. You’ll get a USDA Organic, fat‑free broth made from free‑range chicken, with no sugar added and a restrained sodium level so your recipes stay balanced. It’s made with organic celery root and carrots for subtle, natural flavor that won’t overpower soups, sauces, or grain dishes. The 32‑ounce resealable carton keeps leftovers fresh and fits pantry rotation. For healthy cooking, this premium, convenient broth gives reliable, clean taste without unnecessary additives.
- Packaging Type:Resealable carton
- Size / Volume:32 fl oz
- Main Protein Source:Organic free-range chicken
- Dietary Claims:Gluten-free, fat-free, USDA Organic, low-sodium
- No Artificial Additives:No artificial additives noted; organic ingredients
- Primary Uses:Cooking essential for soups and sauces; healthy cooking
- Additional Feature:USDA Organic certified
- Additional Feature:Low-sodium recipe
- Additional Feature:Made with organic vegetables
SWANSON S 100% Natural Chicken Broth 32 oz Carton
Home cooks who want a clean, pantry-ready base will often reach for SWANSON S 100% Natural Chicken Broth, a 32‑oz recyclable carton that’s fat‑free, gluten‑free, and made from non‑GMO ingredients with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. You’ll get balanced flavors of farm‑raised chicken, fresh‑picked vegetables, and high‑quality seasonings that create a rich, enhanced homemade taste. Use it as a soup base, replace water in rice or pasta, or amplify mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other holiday dishes. The recyclable carton keeps stocking simple, and the straightforward ingredient list makes it an easy everyday choice.
- Packaging Type:Recyclable carton
- Size / Volume:32 oz
- Main Protein Source:Chicken (farm-raised)
- Dietary Claims:Gluten-free, non-GMO, fat-free
- No Artificial Additives:No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Primary Uses:Soup base; replace water to boost flavor in rice/pasta; enhance mashed potatoes/stuffing
- Additional Feature:Recyclable carton packaging
- Additional Feature:Non-GMO ingredients
- Additional Feature:Fat-free formulation
Factors to Consider When Choosing Packaged Chicken Broths
Whenever you pick a packaged chicken broth, check the label for ingredient transparency so you know what’s actually in the carton. Pay attention to sodium levels, whether the chicken and produce are organic or responsibly sourced, and the broth’s flavor and body to make sure it fits your recipes. Also watch for additives and preservatives should you prefer a cleaner, more natural product.
Ingredient Transparency
Because packaged broths can hide a lot behind vague labels, you should read ingredient lists carefully to know exactly what’s in the carton. Look for a complete list that names the type of chicken—broth or stock—and any specific flavoring agents instead of opaque terms like “natural flavors.” Check for clear declarations about additives and processing aids: “no preservatives,” “no added MSG,” or explicit “contains yeast extract” help you decide fast. Note whether salt is listed as “sea salt” or just “salt” and expect sodium per serving in milligrams to be present. Verify allergen and gluten-free claims and whether they’re certified or manufacturer-stated to judge cross-contamination risk. Prefer labels that state organic, non-GMO, or free-range whenever sourcing matters.
Sodium And Salt Content
Ingredient lists tell you what’s in the carton, but sodium numbers tell you how that broth will affect your food and your health. Check sodium per serving (usually mg); packaged broths commonly span about 140 mg (low‑sodium) to 900+ mg per cup, so compare labels to match your diet. “Low‑sodium” typically means 140 mg or less; “reduced sodium” means at least 25% less than the regular version, but verify the actual numbers rather than trusting claims. Note the serving size—often 1 cup/240 mL—because different listed portions can skew comparisons. In case you must limit salt, choose low‑sodium or “no salt added,” dilute regular broth, or use less in recipes. Also check for added salt or sodium additives so you can season precisely.
Organic And Sourcing
Should you care about animal welfare, environmental impact, or what ends up in your bowl, check labels and sourcing details before you buy packaged chicken broth. Look for USDA Organic or equivalent certification—this confirms chickens weren’t fed synthetic-pesticide-contaminated feed and weren’t given antibiotics or growth hormones. Favor broths that say “free-range” or “pasture-raised” and back those claims with certifications or farm-level information so you can verify outdoor access and welfare practices. Prefer products that list specific, traceable sourcing (region, farm cooperative) or disclose supplier standards; vague terms like “natural” mean little. Take note of non-GMO and organic feed statements, since feed affects residues and quality. In the event sustainability matters, evaluate company transparency on land use, antibiotic reduction, and third-party audits before you commit.
Flavor And Body
Should you desire a broth that feels like it has weight in the mouth, choose labels that say “stock” or “rich” and check for visible fat or gelatinous texture—those elements come from roasted bones, long cooking, and natural chicken fat and give a fuller body and deeper mouthfeel. You’ll notice fat on the surface carries flavor and a little natural chicken fat often tastes fuller than fat-free options. Concentrated reductions deliver stronger flavor and a heavier texture, while low-sodium broths feel lighter and could need reduction or seasoning. Umami contributors—yeast extract, cooked vegetables, or long-simmered bones—boost savory depth without adding fat. Finally, clarified broths read as clean and light; unclarified or gelatinous stocks feel rounder and more substantial.
Additives And Preservatives
Whenever you read “no preservatives” or “100% natural” on a carton, don’t assume the product is free of processing aids or flavor enhancers—manufacturers often rely on aseptic packaging, canning, or ingredients like yeast extract and sodium salts to preserve taste and safety. Check the ingredient list rather than marketing claims: “no artificial flavors” can still mean yeast extract or hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which add glutamates and savory notes. Watch sodium-based additives (salt, sodium phosphate) and compare sodium per serving; “low‑sodium” and “reduced sodium” are regulated terms. In case texture matters, scan for xanthan gum, carrageenan, or modified food starch. Finally, review allergen and dietary certifications should you need to avoid specific compounds—not all terms have strict legal definitions.
Packaging And Sustainability
Because packaging affects both convenience and environmental footprint, pay attention to material, recyclability, and resealability while choosing packaged chicken broth. Look for cartons or cans labeled recyclable and accepted through your local curbside program so the container actually gets reused. Prefer lightweight cartons over heavy glass or tin‑lined containers to lower transportation emissions. Choose packages with clear material disclosure or sustainability certifications like recycled content or FSC‑certified paperboard to gauge impact. Resealable or twist‑open tops matter: they let you preserve freshness between uses and reduce food waste. Finally, balance durability with end‑of‑life recovery—sturdy packaging is useful, but only provided recycling instructions are clear and your community can process the material.
Versatility In Cooking
At the time you desire a single broth to do many jobs, pick one with a clean, balanced flavor and moderate concentration so it works equally well for poaching or as a soup base without overpowering other ingredients. You’ll prefer low- or reduced-sodium options so you can season dishes yourself; salt is hard to remove once it’s in. Choose fat-free or low-fat broths whenever you need a clear, lighter mouthfeel for risotto, poaching, or delicate sauces, and richer, higher-body broths or stocks at the point you want mouth-coating richness for gravies or braises. Look for gluten-free labels and broths without assertive added flavors to keep recipes ingredient-friendly. Finally, favor resealable cartons or cans so you can store partial quantities and maintain freshness between uses.
